Keywords
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of hair loss, characterized by progressive follicular miniaturization. Topical Minoxidil remains the standard treatment, but limitations in adherence and tolerability have increased interest in low-dose Oral Minoxidil. Objective: To compare the efficacy, safety, and adherence of Oral versus Topical Minoxidil in treating AGA. Methodology: An integrative literature review was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, including studies published between 2020 and 2025. Clinical trials, comparative studies, and meta-analyses evaluating both formulations in adults with AGA were selected. Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Both treatments showed similar efficacy in improving hair density and thickness. Oral Minoxidil was associated with a higher rate of hypertrichosis but maintained a favorable cardiovascular safety profile at low doses. Oral therapy demonstrated better adherence, whereas topical application showed superior cutaneous tolerability. Conclusion: Oral Minoxidil is an effective and practical alternative to Topical Minoxidil but does not replace it. Treatment selection should be individualized based on tolerance, adverse effect profile, and patient adherence. Further high-quality comparative studies are needed to clarify the optimal role of each formulation.
References
ASILIAN, Ali; FARMANI, Aida; SABER, Mina. Clinical efficacy and safety of low dose oral minoxidil versus topical solution in the improvement of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, v. 23, n. 3, p. 949-957, 2024.
BASSIOUNY, Eglal A. et al. Comparison between topical cetirizine with minoxidil versus topical placebo with minoxidil in female androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Archives of Dermatological Research, v. 315, n. 5, p. 1293-1304, 2023.
DE SALES FILHO, Carlos Eduardo Nunes; BATISTA MORITA, Thâmara Cristiane Alves; DE CARVALHO, Kettiny Fernanda Nascimento. Alopecia androgenética masculina: uma revisão acerca de sua patogênese, diagnóstico e tratamento. Brazilian Journal of Health Review, v. 7, n. 9, p. e75000-e75000, 2024.
DOS SANTOS TAYT-SOHN, Bárbara et al. ABORDAGENS TERAPÊUTICAS CONTEMPORÂNEAS PARA O TRATAMENTO DA ALOPÉCIA ANDROGENÉTICA: UMA REVISÃO DE MEDICAMENTOS, PROCEDIMENTOS CIRÚRGICOS E TERAPIAS EMERGENTES. Revista Contemporânea, v. 4, n. 10, p. e6389-e6389, 2024.
GOWDA, Adarsh; SUSHMITHA, K. C.; CHANDRA, Krithi Subhash. Comparative study of efficacy of topical minoxidil versus topical minoxidil with finasteride in androgenetic alopecia. International Journal of Research, v. 7, n. 3, p. 378, 2021.
GUPTA, Aditya K. et al. Low-dose oral minoxidil for alopecia: a comprehensive review. Skin Appendage Disorders, v. 9, n. 6, p. 423-437, 2023.
HERRMANN, LARA MOREIRA et al. Alopecia androgenética: fisiopatologia, diagnóstico e opções terapêuticas. Editora Pasteur, 2025.
LIU, Chang et al. Efficacy and safety of oral minoxidil in the treatment of alopecia: a single-arm rate meta-analysis and systematic review. Frontiers in Pharmacology, v. 16, p. 1556705, 2025.
MÜLLER RAMOS, Paulo et al. II Consenso da Sociedade Brasileira de Dermatologia para tratamento da alopecia areata. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia (Portuguese), v. 100, n. 2, p. 328-341, 2025.
PENHA, Mariana Alvares et al. Oral minoxidil vs topical minoxidil for male androgenetic alopecia: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA dermatology, v. 160, n. 6, p. 600-605, 2024.
ROCHA, Natalia Daudt Eickstaedt et al. Eficácia e Segurança do Minoxidil Oral versus Tópico no Tratamento da Alopecia Androgenética. Brazilian Journal of One Health, v. 2, n. 2, p. 343-350, 2025.
SOBRAL, Milene Vitória Sampaio et al. Efficacy and safety of oral minoxidil versus topical solution in androgenetic alopecia: a meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials. International Journal of Dermatology, v. 64, n. 3, p. 479-484, 2025.